If you are looking for a smart companion that fits perfectly on a nightstand or cluttered desk without taking over the room, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd generation) is likely on your radar.
Unlike its larger siblings, this compact smart display isn’t trying to be a TV replacement. Instead, it aims to be the ultimate smart alarm clock and home controller. But with the promise of “2x the bass” and a faster processor, is it worth the upgrade from the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd generation)?
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the Echo Show 5 (2023 release) to see if the clearer sound and smarter AI make this the best entry-level smart display of 2025.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Summary
Verdict: The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) is the undisputed king of bedside smart displays. It is faster and sounds significantly better than the Amazon Echo Show 5 (1st Gen) or 2nd Gen models. While the screen resolution remains basic, it excels at what it was designed for: quick interactions, smart home control, and morning routines.
Pros:
- Significantly Improved Audio: Noticeably deeper bass and clearer vocals.
- Faster Response: The AZ2 processor makes touch and voice interactions snappy.
- Music Friendly: Great for streaming Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
- Privacy Features: Built-in physical camera shutter and microphone off button.
- Smart Home Ready: Supports Matter for easier smart home connections.
Cons:
- Camera Quality: The 2MP camera is functional but unchanged from the previous generation.
- Screen Bezel: Thick bezels make the display look slightly dated.
- No Hub: Lacks the built-in Zigbee hub found in larger Echo Show models.
Amazon Echo Show 5 Features & Performance
Design & Build: Compact and Conscious
The Echo Show 5 retains the “wedge” shape users love but with a softened, more refined look compared to the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd generation). The Charcoal fabric grille wraps neatly around the back, and the device is now made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester yarn.
Its small footprint (5.8” x 3.6”) makes it ideal for tight spaces like a crowded nightstand. Since its release date in May 2023, it has established itself as the go-to “clock radio” of the smart home world.
Audio: Does it Really Have “2x the Bass”?
One of the headline features is the promise of improved audio. In testing, the difference is immediately audible.
- Music: Whether you are streaming your “Morning Wake Up” playlist on Spotify or Amazon Music, tracks sound punchy and warm. It won’t replace a high-end speaker, but it no longer sounds tinny like the Amazon Echo Show 5 (1st Gen).
- Voice: Alexa’s voice cuts through background noise much better, sounding natural rather than robotic.
Performance: Smarter than Ever
The engine inside this device is the MediaTek MT8169B processor with the AZ2 Neural Edge chip. In plain English, this means the Echo Show 5 processes many requests locally on the device rather than sending them to the cloud.
- Speed: When you tap the screen or ask to turn off the lights, the action happens almost instantly—about 20% faster than previous models.
- Alexa+ Early Access: This model is compatible with newer, more conversational AI updates, allowing for more natural back-and-forth interactions.
Comparison: Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) vs. 2nd Gen vs. 1st Gen
If you are wondering if you should upgrade, here is how the generations stack up:
| Feature | Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) | Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) | Echo Show 5 (1st Gen) |
| Release Date | 2023 | 2021 | 2019 |
| Processor | AZ2 Neural Edge (Fastest) | MediaTek MT8163 | MediaTek MT8163 |
| Sound | 1.75″ speaker (Best) | 1.65″ speaker | 1.65″ speaker |
| Camera | 2 MP | 2 MP | 1 MP |
| Smart Home | Matter Support | No Matter | No Matter |
The Bottom Line: If you own a 1st Gen, the upgrade is massive. If you own a 2nd Gen, upgrade only if you want better sound for music or faster response times.
Who is this for?
- The Bedside User: With its “Sunrise Effect” and tap-to-snooze feature, it is the best smart alarm clock on the market.
- Parents: If you are buying for a child, consider the Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids. It features the same hardware but comes with a 2-year worry-free guarantee, a “Galaxy” design, and a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ content.
- The Smart Home Manager: Perfect for checking Ring doorbells or adjusting the thermostat without grabbing your phone.
Verdict: Is the Price Worth It?
Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model)
The Amazon Echo Show 5 price usually hovers around $89.99, but it frequently drops to $40–$60 during sales. At the full price, it is a solid device; on sale, it is an absolute steal.
The Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd generation) addresses the biggest complaints of previous generations by vastly improving the sound quality and speed. While it won’t replace your TV, it is the most capable, unobtrusive smart display you can buy for your nightstand.
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